[Intro: Instrumental Build] [Verse 1: Grounded Storytelling / Low Baritone] Curtains drawn back on the avenue at dawn Olive green transports idling on the lawn Guardsmen from states twelve hundred miles away Unloading rifles in the morning grey I buy my coffee where a patrol stands Old man surrounded by boys with trembling hands They line the crosswalks where children like to run Turning hometown corners into sector one [Chorus: Anthemic, wide stereo harmonies, full band] True freedom is having not to fear The troops from other states who are stationed here They eye our cities like a hostile crew, As if insurgents are the friends they knew. Tell me who gave the order to treat this ground Like a conquered valley instead of our hometown? [Verse 2: Steady / Resolute] There's body armor hanging by the bakery pane Helmets reflecting in the midday rain They stare right through us behind a visor's tint Taking orders from a memo they were sent We ain't an army, we ain't a hostile crew Just neighbors walking down the avenue Yet with your presence you expect us to cope, Aiming directly at our patience and our hope [Chorus: Anthemic, wide stereo harmonies, full band] True freedom is having not to fear The troops from other states who are stationed here Their loaded rifles on an endless beat, Like heavy shadows on a captive street. Tell me who gave the order to treat this ground Like a conquered valley instead of our hometown? [Instrumental Solo: Melodic expression] [Verse 3: Urgent / Confrontational] What is your mission exactly? Why do I see you here on our street? Dressed up like you're in a combat zone, Always in packs, never alone. What threat is it that you perceive? Do you not expect us, for our freedom to grieve? [Bridge: Stripped back, emotional build] You cannot pacify the people you swore to protect With camouflage jackets and forced respect When the badge and the bayonet police the town square There ain't no liberty breathing in the air It's a mirror turned backward, a line drawn too deep When the guardians make sure the citizens weep [Chorus: Anthemic, wide stereo harmonies, full band] True freedom is having not to fear The troops from other states who are stationed here We look you in the eye and ask why you're here, Will you pull the trigger when the orders clear? Tell me who gave the order to treat this ground Like a conquered valley instead of our hometown? [Outro: Gradual fade out, ambient delay echoes] Freedom is having not to fear... Not in our cities, not this year. Pack up the trucks, let the barricades fall. We are not insurgents behind the wall. Freedom is living without the fear. [End]
